Fun Outdoor Winter Activities in Fairfax County & Northern Virginia

With the temperatures dropping and the fall foliage brilliance coming to an end, it's clear that winter is officially on its way. Although there's a natural tendency to hide away indoors during the colder months, that would mean missing out on all the fun! There's no shortage of things to do in the great outdoors in Fairfax County. Explore outdoor winter activities for adults, families, and more! From twirling around on the ice rink to cozying up around the fire, get some fresh air and spend some time outdoors at one of these local spots. 

 

Outdoor Winter Activities for The Entire Family

1. Be Dazzled by Holiday Light Shows

Meadowlark's Winter Walk Lights 2014 from Steve Jarriel on Vimeo.

Each winter, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the night sky to bring holiday cheer to Fairfax County. Get ready to enter a world straight out of your wildest imaginations as you step into the unforgettably spectacular night of lights and animal sculptures at the DMV Winter Lantern Festival.

Or pack up car, crank up the holiday music, and drive through Bull Run's Festival of Lights - 2.5 miles of displays to enjoy from the comfort of your own car. Alternatively, walk through a winter wonderland at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for their Winter Walk of Lights event - so amazing, that it draws 80,000 visitors a year! For information on holiday light shows, hours of operation, special packages, and more, be sure to check out our holiday light shows guide. You can also take your own adventure and find tacky Christmas lights in Fairfax County neighborhoods.

 

2. Hit the Hills

Sledding is a classic winter activity that's both festive and fun for the entire family.  Dust off your sleds, bundle up, and head to Fairfax County's slopes for a thrill ride! Here's our guide to the best sledding spots in Fairfax County to catch some air during our next snow day. 

 

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is a cherished holiday tradition in Fairfax County. Bundle up, lace up your skates, and keep warm while you get moving at the ice rink! Gliding across the ice, twirling, having fun, and the occasional misstep makes for fond laugh-out-loud moments and sweet memories. Check out our Ice Skating page to find out where to go practice your figure eights. 

 

Outdoor Winter Activities for Adults

4. Winter Wildlife Spotting

Stretch your legs and venture where the wild things are this winter for some unique animal-sightings at our local Fairfax County Parks! We've rounded up the Best Places to Spot Wildlife This Winter so you can see some majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There are also plenty of trails to walk and open views for birdwatching at most of Fairfax County’s parks. 

Afterward, head to our local coffee shops to warm up with a hot drink and some good conversation - we have over 25 unique coffee shops in the county! 

 

5. Cozy Cabin Getaway

The camping experience is an age-old outdoor getaway that connects you to nature in an unforgettable way. From gazing at a sky full of bright stars to gathering around a fire for fresh and gooey smores, there's something about a forest escape that makes a winter getaway special. Check out our local cabin stays for a quick trip to disconnect from reality. 

 

6. Visit a Holiday Market 

Winter is a great time to slow down and explore Fairfax County’s local markets and shops. Several farmers markets stay open through the holidays, including the Falls Church Farmers Market, Reston Farmers Market, and more. There will also be special holiday markets in Fairfax County this year, including the Holiday Market at Shipgarten.

Check out our holiday shopping guide for gift inspiration, discover unique gift shops around the county, and find locally made gifts that show the  creative side of Fairfax County. If you’re in the mood for a full shopping spree, check out all of the shopping malls in Fairfax County.

Winter offers a chance to see Fairfax County in a new way. So bundle up, step outside, and make the most of the season in Fairfax County. Make sure to check out New Years Eve events in Fairfax County to start the new year off right! 

 

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